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Thursday, February 14, 2013

Freaking Awesome investigation thriller films

Thriller films are
always a treat to watch. It gives the audience an adrenaline rush to what will
happen in the next scene. A common aspect of crime thriller films is that, it involves
an extended investigation conducted by police, lawyers, journalists and private
detectives. But most of them happen to be predicable in the midway. Only a few
films will leave us puzzled till the end, and there are also films that require
multiple viewings to know what actually has happened. Here are some of the best and of course my favorite of such films. I call them freaking awesome because
they really are! I don't like the idea of ranking the films while making a list, as each of the film is different in its own way.

1. Se7en (1995) – USA

Director: David Fincher

A soon to be retired veteran
detective and his newly transferred replacement are on hot pursuit after a
serial killer whose motifs are based on 7 deadly sins. Believe me, this is
the best thriller film I have ever seen. Se7en is an outstanding film in all
the aspects, especially the way the thrill element is maintained throughout is
really terrific. The cinematography and visual effects gives you a haunting
effect that will remain with the viewer for quite a while. The film brings out
one of the finest performances from Morgan Freeman and Brad Pitt. For thriller
movie freaks, this is a not-to-miss film.

2. The Secret in Their Eyes (2009) – Argentina

Director: Juan José Campanella

In the Argentinean era of
political unrest and state sponsored terrorism, the film tells the story of a
murder case and its effect on the lives of persons closely involved. Switching
back and forth between 1974 and 2000, this film sets the standards of how a
mystery drama film should be, with an intense and engulfing plot, mesmerizing
performance, excellent execution of a well written script by the director. For those
who are bored of mediocre Hollywood films, go for this emotional and rich
thriller. You will not be disappointed!

3. Memories of Murder (2003) – South Korea

Director: Bong Joon-ho

Two detectives with different
mindset and methods in approaching homicide cases are appointed to solve
unsolved mysteries behind murders of young girls. The film is based on the true
story of South Korea’s first known serial murders. The film moves in a slow pace but that suits it very well with a
fantastic character development, acting and a flawless screenplay at the top. You can find many thriller films like this but not like this one for sure. Films like this are very uncommon and far better than most of the Hollywood counterparts.

4. Angel Heart (1987) – USA

Director: Alan Parker

A private detective is hired by a
mysterious man to find a missing singer and soon realizes that things are not
simple as he expected it be in the course of his investigation and finds himself
in lot of trouble. What makes this interesting is its blend of horror, mystery
and detective genre, a gripping and intriguing plot and great performances from
Rourke and de Niro. The eerie soundtrack is excellently coherent with the dark
and unnerving plot. Read my review about the film here.

5. The Ghost Writer (2010) – British/German

Director: Roman Polanski

A ghost writer is hired to
complete the memoir of an ex Prime minister, and in the course of writing, his
own life is put under risk.The film turned out to be a slow paced gripping
thriller, thanks to Ewan McGregor’s powerful performance and Roman Polanski’s
stylish direction. This may not be the best of Polanski, but it surely is a
terrific mystery thriller film that keeps you engaged till the end. Other than
the plot, I really liked the film’s chill and rainy environment. Upon its
release, the film drew controversies because of its sensitive political
content.

6.Shutter Island (2010) – USA

Director: Martin Scorcese

Set in 1954, U.S. Marshal Edward Daniels
arrives at a mental hospital for criminally insane located in the titular Shutter
Island, to investigate the disappearance of a murderess escaped from the hospital
and suspected to be hiding nearby. When you have a film directed by Scorcese with Dicaprio in it, what else you need! Shutter Island’s great success lies with Marty’s superior
command and flair in delivering a simple plot as a sophisticated psychological thriller.
Dicaprio portrays Edward as a desperate one in finding the truth in a brilliant
manner that we start to follow him in his quest to solve the puzzle. Shutter
Island combines variety of genre like detective, fantasy, period, film noir and
psychological thriller, and heavily influenced by Hitchcock films.

7. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011) – USA

Director: David Fincher

Financially broken journalist Mikael Blomkvist is hired by leading
business magnet Henrik Vanger and assisted by an aggressive and talented computer
hacker Lisbeth Salander, to find a woman from Vanger family who has been
missing for 40 years. Fincher has given yet another immensely enjoyable film
with a captivating plot staged brilliantly. The film is technically superior, well
acted, excellently shot and progresses in fast pace. You will never get a boring
or dull moment with captivating performances from Craig and Rooney Mara. An apt
choice for those who prefer a fast paced mystery thriller.

12 comments:

Excellent selection of movies. All are my favorite. The first three movies you have mentioned are the best of this genre. Also look out for couple of Korean investigative thrillers, "Mother" and "Children."